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The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the largest pro-UK party in Northern Ireland, is calling for parliament at Westminster to be recalled due to the implications for national security caused by the accidental leak of personal details of all police officers and staff in the region. This includes individuals working with MI5, the domestic intelligence agency. Ian Paisley Jr, an MP for the DUP, believes this data breach is a serious national security issue that warrants immediate attention and resolution from Britain’s legislators. The leak has raised concerns regarding the safety of the region’s police force, particularly those involved with British intelligence or in undercover roles. There are worries that dissident republican groups, who advocate for a united Ireland, may have obtained this information. Paisley has made a recall request to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, and is awaiting a response. He is also seeking a reply from Suella Braverman, the home secretary. However, Parliament is not scheduled to reconvene until September 4.
During the Troubles, lasting three decades, over 300 police officers were killed in Northern Ireland. The Police Federation, representing rank-and-file officers, has reported that nearly 2,000 members of the force have expressed interest in seeking compensation following the data leak incident. Simon Byrne, PSNI chief constable, has confirmed that no one has been relocated as a result of the breach, but the force is preparing for a potential influx of compensation claims and fines from the UK data protection regulator. Paisley highlighted the financial strain this incident imposes on the underfunded police force, which already faces a £38mn funding gap. Additionally, Northern Ireland’s public sector budget is stretched, exacerbated by the DUP’s refusal to return to the Stormont assembly and power-sharing executive since the May 2022 elections.
